Elasto Sweden, part of the Hexpol TPE group, has announced plans to invest in a new TPE production line at its facility in Åmål, Sweden. The plans include twin screw technology, advanced raw material controls, supporting sub systems and analytics equipment. The new line is expected to come on stream in 2015. Elasto specialises in the conception, formulation and production of tailored TPE compounds based on styrenic block copolymers. The company has a strong presence in the medical, consumer, toy and food markets, where there are stringent requirements in production management, traceability, consistency and cleanliness. Specialist knowledge and a deep understanding of new and emerging international regulations and quality assurance standards are also essential.

Elasto operates Hexpol TPE’s centre of excellence for medical TPE compounds and was the first European TPE compounder to be awarded the ISO 13485 certification for the development and sales of Thermoplastic Elastomer compounds for the medical device industry. The standard places emphasis on the use of procedures to regulate and control how activities and processes should be performed. Above all these procedures need to be maintained and once established cannot be changed.